Over 70 older Samsung phone models have been found unable to correctly connect to Australia’s Triple Zero (000) emergency service when their primary mobile network is unavailable.
- 11 models must be replaced.
- 60 models can be fixed with software updates.
The issue occurs when the phone fails to “camp on” another network — a feature allowing emergency calls via a different carrier when the main one is down.
This affects Telstra, Optus, and TPG/Vodafone customers, particularly users of older or imported Samsung devices.
If you’re affected, your telco will contact you via SMS or email.
Then you’ll need to update or replace your device.
- Install the software update if your model is eligible.
- If your phone is too old (7+ years), you’ll need to replace it immediately.
Call Samsung support (1300 362 603) if you’ve got an old phone but haven’t been contacted.
Phones not updated or replaced within 28 days will be disconnected under new ACMA rules. Wow. No working Triple Zero now means they cut off your phone connection. Don’t have an emergency before you get a new phone!
The government is now requiring telcos to continuously monitor Triple Zero services. Apparently that’s not how it used to work…